My Boomer Dad Revealed 10 Foods He Grew Up On
I recently sat down with my boomer dad to discuss the foods he grew up on. Our conversation highlighted how many of these dishes were driven by a practical need to stretch a budget and feed a busy family.
Many of these are still popular today and some didn’t start in the boomer era, they’re just foods my dad remembered fondly growing up. If you’re a baby boomer, which of these did you eat most often and do you still eat them today?
1. Meatloaf
This classic main course was a reliable way to stretch ground beef to feed an entire family. Most home cooks added breadcrumbs and a sweet tomato glaze to ensure the meat stayed tender during baking.
My dad remembers this as a Sunday dinner favorite alongside a side of mashed potatoes.
2. Grasshopper Pie
My dad always looked forward to this chilled treat during summer celebrations and neighborhood gatherings. Mint and chocolate are the best combo.
3. Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs were inexpensive to prepare and could be made in large batches to satisfy a crowd. My dad says you could always count on seeing a tray filled with deviled eggs at most events or holiays.
4. Chicken Divan
This casserole combined chicken and broccoli under a rich layer of sauce and melted cheese. Every mom made it a little different, but his mom would add crushed crackers on top.
5. Salisbury Steak
Seasoned ground beef patties smothered in a savory brown gravy was a budget-friendly dinner. This meal was a frequent choice for busy weeknights when my dad’s parents needed to get a hot dinner on the table quickly.
6. Bologna Sandwiches
A simple slice of bologna on white bread with a bit of mustard was the standard lunch for my dad during his school years. These sandwiches were highly affordable and stayed fresh in a metal lunchbox until the afternoon bell rang.
On the weekends his mom would fry the bologna, which was his favorite.
7. Scotcheroos
These chewy bars made with cereal and peanut butter were topped with a layer of melted chocolate and butterscotch. They were a favorite treat in my dad’s house.
8. Ants on a Log
This simple snack consisted of celery stalks filled with peanut butter and topped with a row of raisins. It was a clever way to encourage children to eat their vegetables while providing a quick energy boost after school.
9. Lil’ Smokies
These small cocktail sausages were almost always simmered in a slow cooker with a tangy barbecue or grape jelly sauce. My dad says these were a mandatory addition to every holiday or gathering.
10. Egg Salad Sandwiches
This simple mixture of chopped eggs and creamy dressing served as a staple for weekend lunches and outdoor picnics. It was a very affordable way to provide a protein rich meal using ingredients that were already in the refrigerator.
